Geeze, I Need to Update More Often

I did end up getting a new wheel :) In fact, I accidentally decided to buy two. Don't ask because..  because.. Anyway! I got a second hand Heavenly Handspinning Bellus and it came with 12 HUGE bobbins!

 See? It's so lovely.
And it's sooo fast! I was able to finally finish 3 skeins in less than a week. This is up from maybe one skein every couple weeks. Don't get me wrong, I love my Traddy, but this little number is amazingly awesome. Don't let the bicycle rim wheel part fool you. This thing is efficient. I guess I only have one complaint though. I can't figure out how to fill the bobbin evenly. The flyer arms don't "reach" all the way to the other end of the bobbin, but maybe I'm doing it wrong, I dunno.
Now to the yarns :)

 

This is a lovely 2 ply yarn made from Merino. It was dyed by Tivoli Creations. From 3.22 oz of fiber, I got about 116 yards, it's about worsted weight.

 

This is a super squishy Merino/Mohair/Silk Noil Bulky weight, slightly thick and thin. This batt is from The Rabbit Wren (They're actually going by a different name now and have moved, but I can't recall it.) It weights 3.32 oz, about 104 yards.

 I was able to get this one done as well. Same as the yellow yarn: Merino fiber, dyed by Tivoli Creations, 2 ply about worsted weight. About 3.64 oz and 120 yards.

I am working on a couple more, including me respinning my Retro Girl colorway yarn from Greenwood Fiber works. Going to see how that works out :P And after that, I will setting twist (I've actually been saying that, but I really want to get them done all at once.) and revealing prices on my FB page. 

Figuring out how to price is probably the hardest thing many crafters have to think about. I would hate to undercut other artists, but I would like for those who want to buy handspun yarn to pay a reasonable price. I think I have it down and will hopefully be able to offer different fibers, maybe even dyed by myself, which is now my current goal :)

A bit of a conundrum

Trying to figure out what to get in order to grow my yarn business. I could upgrade my drum carder, get another wheel for production/plying/teaching, or get dyeing supplies. All are needed really, but I can only get one thing at a time :/ What to do?
I already know my drum carder of choice: Strauch Mad Batt'r, but the price tag.. $775. Would need a few hundred more dollars. How much would I need to sell? How do I sell batts and yarn?
The wheel is a bit harder to figure out. Used or new? Probably going to be used. The Babe Pinkie? It would definitely be portable, but would it be enough wheel? Close behind is the Ashford Country Spinner. Defintely not doable right now.. Then there are Heavenly Handspinning wheels. I really like the Stella Double Treadle. Affordable, but I don't know much about them, other than I used to have a kick wheel from the same maker.
Dyes will be coming from Dharma Trading Company. I should probably go get these first and get the wheel.... anyway!

This is what I'm working on. :) I still have another 2.5 oz to spin. It's hand painted merino top and I plan to Navajo ply it. Can't wait to see how it comes out. It may be the first yarn that I sell :)

Getting there

Been spinning more and have been sewing a bit more too :)

 Scored this free cabinet off post. It was like a community Throw Out What You Don't Want day. Meh, perfect for my wool :)

 Crocheted this cute, chunky infinity scarf. Was supposed to be for my cousin's wife, but it got too hot :/ I'll wear it next year and make her something for the spring. Check out the awesome dress form :)

 Finished the Nebula yarn. A bit softer than I thought it would be, which is awesome :) I think it's 37 yards, but need to recount the yardage. Chunky fluffy awesomeness.

 Llama "wool" dryer balls. :) Started making these and got some orders for 36 balls. 16 down, 20 to go :P

I figured out how to makes hanks also.

Right now, I'm debating on getting a used Babe Pinkie to ply on. I like that it's portable, but I'm getting mixed reviews on it. The one I'm looking at does have a bunch of extras including the plying flyer. $180 shipped, so I just might get it. We shall see :P

Catch up post!

I have been busy for the past several months with birthdays, the holidays and cleaning my new craft room :)

  

I don't understand Blogger anymore :/ Took me forever to get these pictures in order hahaha I will be adding captions later :)